Is it Worth Buying an STI Over a WRX? 

Whether or not you own a WRX or an STI go find out your perfect! 👇 www.fitmentindustries.com/gallery

For $8,000 difference 100% the sti is worth it. 6 Speed, R180, Brembos, DCCD, SI Drive etc. Easy to sum up, if you want to build a subaru for more than 450WHP get the STI. The FA20 is great but not for decent or higher power. The DI system runs out north of 450 and you'd be looking at adding a standalone port injection system. If its a daily/weekend car, the fa20 is for better for fuel economy and low end power. But I'd take the EJ all day

I bought a WRX over the STI only reason why is because I’m a new Enthusiast. I wanted to learn how to build up to that power myself and learn one step at a time. STI is definitely better. But if you gonna learn start at the bottom.

I considered the same things when I chose the WRX 2 years ago. While I am not opposed to a street racer, what I ultimately wanted was just a car that will get me where I am going...and I was going to rural sketchy backroads. In other words, I didn't want to race anyone - I wanted to confidently travel no matter the weather or conditions. And I do not regret it. My WRX is made for me - like if you can have a car soul mate...this is it. I will drive this car until they take my geriatric license one day.

Went with the WRX and it’s my daily. Better gas mileage and easier on my wallet was my reason why.

Both are great. Obviously I prefer STI but both have enormous potential for any enthusiast

Honestly, I bought my STi for the robust drive train, hydraulic steering and archaic feel. If the engine goes, I have funds ready for new built block. But I'll never really worry about changing the other parts if I keep it within certain limit of oomph. Resale value has always been great for the STi and it's only going to be better now that Subie decides to axe the car.

The final conclusion was exactly how I was feeling, does the price gap justify the performance difference. It’s the same with the e36 m3 vs 325i, as an investment for future sale? Sure but for the enthusiast driver, you’re better off with the lower model and spending the difference or less to have the better car. Great video, you have my vote for the nerdy stuff

As an STI owner, I can safely say that the WRX is an overall better design. Fuel injected, over port injected is a big deal, and for the price of a WRX + a ton of mods- you can far exceed the power of a stock STI for less cost. Also, gas mileage is awful on an STI, which really bites in these times. The only reason I own an STI over a WRX is because I have specific wants from a car that can only be achieved by an STI, and it isn't my daily driver.

I like this guy's videos, feel like he's getting comfortable on camera

I would say no, in my area they're was a good 10k difference between the two. The sti's where around 43k, and for 43k I would look into something else.

I’ve been a fan of these cars since I was a kid. When I finally decided that I wanted a Hawkeye I was shocked to see the prices of the STI models. That’s actually when I decided to go with a WRX model instead. The search was interesting for sure and I stumbled upon STI swapped Wrxs. I really had to do my homework on them to understand what I was getting into. I was able to come across a unfinished 2006 wrx that had an EJ257 and a 6 speed transmission from an 05 STI, that was sitting at a nice price. It’s definitely been an adventure with this car so far but I probably wouldn’t have done anything different honestly. Everything that I personally was looking for I found in this WRX.

Had my 05sti for nearly 15years, while its been a great car and ive had a ton of fun, its way more car than id ever need, its such a better car than i am a driver. It was my first subi and i should have started a little lower and worked up, a 2.5rs would be a better fit now that i look back

Where I live in Michigan, with the awful lake effect snow, I went with the STI, due to the DCCD AWD system, as it's far superior to any other type of AWD in snow and ice . That transmission combined with the center differential was more than worth the extra money. Also the Subi rumble is so satisfying. 2020 engines are really problem free, unless you get stupid modifying them.

Nice to have a new representative for FITMENT INDUSTRIES, such as you Sam! I would recommend a mid-late 1990's Impresa, as they are CHEAP, and ready to be Customized! And generally cheaper to Insure... They may be boring to look at, but the build is only limited to your Wallet and Imagination.

I had the chance to order new from factor either a 21 WRX or STI a year and a half a go, and went for the more practical choice in the WRX since it will be a daily driver once my old car dies. Part of me regrets not getting the STI now that they are on hiatus, but the WRX is still plenty fun, and I only got 3.6k miles and I've had it for 8 months. I'm new to the car scene, always loved cars never saw myself owning a cool JDM turbo charged car, and the car is plenty fun for me and I look forward to working on it in the future as my first project car.

If the price isn’t an issue AND you have a good idea at what your getting yourself into then yes you should absolutely try to get your hands on a STOCK STI

Na, WRX can put in work too. My brothers 2017 WRX is making a little bit over 400 hp thanks to snail performance. Don’t doubt the underdog.

STI.... I bought a slightly used one in early Feb 2021. Glad I did because Subaru announced they were discontinued shortly thereafter. Started building it last Thanksgiving and haven't looked back. Have to pay homage to Ken Block and the subi community. 306 whp and 340+torque with a pro tune and she treats me well!

Just got my WRX couple of weeks ago and I love it not to try and race anyone but it’s fun to drive everyday

The STI badge is pink after the cherry blossom tree.

My thoughts are if you want to make power, get the sti purely for the transmission. If you’re gonna daily it and do some small power mods and suspension/aesthetics then get the wrx

As a 06 wrx owner the answer is yes. If your goal is to squeeze as much power out as possible, the sti is the way to go. The Sti cost 10k more for a reason. It has the better transmission, differential, brakes etc etc. The only reason you should get a wrx is if your goal is to stay stock or mostly stock power wise. The only reason I bought a wrx is because I prefer the wagons body over the sedan but I know I'm gonna have to swap that trans eventually.

Please go into full detail on all about the sti. I’m planning on buying one later this year

i got a 2018 STi , i love the rumble , i think thats why i bought , just to have the rumble without the mods , but over all they are both cool and amazing cars

I bought a 2015 wrx used with 33k on the odometer and it’s been a blast. I daily drive it and I think either way the fuel economy is bad on these cars. With that said it’s a great car for every season and it can look great with very few cosmetic mods. I slapped a STI wing on mine just because I like the way the wing puts the car together. My only gripe I had with my car was the gear play that it comes with. That can easily be fixed with a shift stop and it takes like two minutes to install. After owning it for 3 years I wouldn’t change my mind on purchasing it. Also the stock wheels on the WRX are pretty ugly.

Went WRX because it’s easier to find and since I plan to daily and upgrade slowly over time it’s no big deal to me. It’s the same difference to me as a Nismo being a Nissan guy. It’s really up to you if you can justify the several grand more for a good used STI versus a clean 1 owner WRX .

The end basically sums it up. If you're going to do hpde track the car for you've whatever the sti is the way to go, if you're looking for something to cruise with or super slam or stance it out go for a wrx. I have a 21 sti and seeing other stis with -10 camber dropped beyond reasonable purpose hurts. But in the end it's your car do whatever u want...

thanks for the video , i just love the wrx mainly for the look was inspired by how it looks with a victor racing active wing

The Rex is the way to go! Cheeper fun! And it is almost as good! Money for making it your own quicker! Love mine!

2012 wrx hatchback here - love it

I have the ultimate sleeper in my 2005 Outback XT manual, it’s lifted 1” with +1 off road tires on Method rims. It has the STi 2.5L engine.

The difference between the EJ and the FA in gas mileage is drastic. As a daily, I chose the WRX and spent my money on other modifications. I do love the sound of unequal length headers and that distinctive STI rumble… but it’s one of those sacrifices you make.

I have owned a 2017 WRX and I now own a 2020 STI and I love both cars. The STI is the better car in my opinion. My Bluebaru is my daily driver to work up in Irvine CA. I live in Oceanside Ca, it's a 50 mile drive up and back. Totally worth it. Subies forever.

I bought a 2004 WRX some 20 years ago. Over time i tuned it , put coilovers in it , drove it and took it to the track . It was fine, but i was scared for the transmission so i installed a full Sti transmission and steering rack. The motor is completed stock 2 liter with 328 HP and 44 kgr of torque since 2008. When it got the STi tranny and steering rack it went on a different level in driving. Different style in cornering , sharper steering response and more absolute requiring your engagement. Its a drivers car but the WRX is fine but Sti is the way to go. I do miss the 5 speed transmission in longer journeys but i couldnt stand the understeer and trying to find a slippery road to do an all wheel drift. When i installed the tranny i dont know how many 0-60 i did to make up for lost time. Suming up if you want a decent performer with daily capabilities then you go for the WRX. If you go on track days or you love cornering and joyful spirited driving you go with an Sti. I would not tune either of them stock more than 340 HP crank because they completely loose their character.

The Sti appreciate better so long as the miles are low. That said the wrx is the base of the sti. Only one is tuned by the factory. Everyone throws Colin's name around like he needed the Sti. He would have been a champion on any competitive team. Also the rules were much different back then, i doubt even the bolts were OEM.

I went WRX over STI because of better fuel mileage for daily driving.

I owned a 2018 WRX for 2 years before getting my 2020 Series White STI. The WRX was great. The FA20 was delightful, the MPG was reasonable and I had a blast - it was a great car that I would recommend to anyone that wants to have fun. I'll spare you a long story and just say that I think they are different cars. Not kinda different but really different. Locking diffs change cornering dynamics a metric butt ton.

We got the 2.5rs which was the u.s version off the 22b. Had much less horsepower but I guess you could say it's technically the first wrx in the states.

Do a video on the hatchback 11-14! Personally think it's the best

I did it for the subi rumble. Worth it!

Both are extremely cool in their own way. At the end of the day love your ride. I would love to try rally racing.

I got a bugeye wrx, all I’m going to complain about and would much rather prefer would be the 6-speed and brembos, other than that it’s pretty comparable to the sti

Picked up a STI Type RA last year. Actually , there are huge differences between these two. The TY-85 comes from STI transmission is much more aggressive comparing to the TY-75 comes from WRX. The TY-75 also got the silly rev hang function. Also, the steering feeling of WRX is like a normal passenger car since it use EPS on the VA gen. And the main reason that I would prefer STI over WRX any time is that DCCD only comes with STI. It is the soul of a Subaru.

Owned my '17 WRX for 5 years and daily drive 60 miles a day. #1 reason I won't upgrade to sti is gas milage.

Went wrx over sti. Thought I made a mistake but the wrx is the better daily driver. Also the fa wrx makes power more easily being direct injection so bolt on and tunes yields better numbers over the sti. Big hp build the sti is the better option as the platform is more well known. It comes down to what you plan to do but as a daily driver I think the wrx is the better route.

15+ Models is what he's really referring to. 09-14 is the generation before the VA chassis. Ive had a GC6, GG8, GR hatch, BP6 LGT, and an SH6 Forester

Got a 2021sti in world rally blue/ sun roof / recado seats and all the goodies. Love the damn car. Been offer 6k more then what I paid but I am keeping it

I got a gen 1 BRZ and slapped a turbo kit on it. Now I have a 2 door WRX that is lighter and rear wheel drive!

Nice video but you said the biggest difference is the power, but you're wrong there, the handling and track capabilities is the biggest difference, WRX uses only front open diff and rear open diff with electronic brakepad vectoring. STI handles so good because it has front LSD, center active DCCD difd, and rear LSD.

my 2013 wrx wagon has a full sti drivetrain and 39000miles on it just got it i’m so happy with it so i guess it’s pretty much an sti

i went with the WRX over the STI because i wanted the FA motor, so far ive had 0 reliability issues in the last 100k miles

The pink badge on the STI is inspired by the pink Cherry Blossoms outside of Subaru headquarters in Japan.

I wanna know them beats yall got playing in the background

I'm from Malaysia, 6 mths of raining time here. I daily the 2015 Raptor eye WRX 110K km , 19-20MPG 70% city .

For me, I just love the sound of sti.

2018 STi owner. If you even have to ask the question, then get the wrx. If you truly want the STi then there's no question.

They actually chose the colour pink for the sti to match with the pink cherry blossoms in Tokyo, where the Subaru headquarters were

From my understanding isn’t the wrx superior below 400 hersepower ? And sti superior on the high end ?

Best bodystyle of the Impresa was the 1994 Coupe! Nobody knew what a Subaru was back then... I worked at an Importer Yard/Auto Auction back then, and learned how to "properly use a Clutch" in a 1978 Porche 911 Turbo Carrera (as told to by my Boss). Because it was also my responsibility to "Test Drive" every vehicle on our lot. Up to 46 Impressa's where driven/abused every day on an Enclosed Testing Track (~2.5miles long) by ME! I just couldn't afford one... And I also "Test Drove" the HEFTY STX, that was a bit harder around corners! -Yes, I'm THAT OLD... 💀

I’ve never driven a WRX but I wouldn’t get me one after I just got me an STi! I know it’s more expensive, mpg is kinda trash for a 4cyl but man the driving experience is unique and that rumble oh… man like no other. Those things really make up for the bad! 👍🏻 if you can afford the extra money, drop it! You won’t regret it.

I always wanted a STi since I was little since I got to ride in a GD chassis when I was about 9 years old when that chassis first came out. Never wanted any other car more than an STi. I’ve owned faster substantially faster cars, but I never got the satisfaction that I do driving my STi’s. I never wanted just a WRX, it was always the STi. Just the raw feeling and handling of that car made me never go back to any other car, and I love the our cult Subie community and aftermarket. It’s got everything I want in a car. I own two VA’s and one GD. One VA has a built engine pushing 703 WHP on a MD, the other 2 are close enough to oem, minus a tune, exhaust, coils, etc. it’s just as fun taking it through the canyons and around the track with a near-oem set up. People that don’t think you can’t have fun in a 300+ crank horsepower car are wrong. Never get tired of these car(s) and I’m always excited when I take them out. WRXs or Imprezas that are non-STi are nice, and still fun but I couldn’t do it. I always had my eyes set on the STi.

The rally guys do engine swaps every week. I would recommend this for a boxer.

My turbo Baja gonna take most of them to Gapplebees either way 😉

as a product advisor for subaru I typically steer people in the direction of the WRX simply because it's a more comfortable car to daily. STi for those really looking to party or coming from an equally as quick car though

IMO, you can go with an STI and keep it stock and enjoy it. If you want to do crazy mods and transform it to your liking, go with WRX. (Obviously you can mod the STI too, but really it's a great car out of the box)

We need a video on the q50

I live in MT so i bought the STI as my first subaru. Love it. Non studded blizzaks in the winter shred. Everything Bout the car is great. The closer to a racecar, the vetter it is for me to daily drive it. 😂

I've driven a 2020wrx that u own and my buddy's 2020 sti the difference in power in low rpm was actually in favor for the wrx but top end/consistent power goes to the sti. The sti is a solid upgrade but I reall don't think that it's a worth it upgrade if you just going in a strait line but if your hitting the track that awd system the sti has really shines but otherwise it's a decent upgrade just my personal opinion tho everyone has there own

Footage credits for 5:30? Im tryna find that footage

Im debating if i should get a wrx or a sti i think both are awesome cars and fun to mod

STi holds value. That alone is the best reason.

only thing i would add is that the 15-21 sti's have the old EJ motor that subaru has been using for a while now and the 15-21 wrx's have the new FA20, just something to keep inmind when looking at power mods i dunno much about the after market for 15+ wrx's im sure they have some good options

I wanted a WRX for many years. Initially, I thought WRX was cheaper and not much different to the STI. When I was ready to buy Subaru just discontinued the STI. The more I looked into the STI the more I wanted one. I have heard many reviewers saying the WRX is a better daily driver/family car and the STI is less fuel efficient, and less comfortable to ride. Eventually, I got a 2020 Spec R model with low KM's. The price was inflated then and cost more than the new car price. The car was even more than the new WRX top spec. But I still went for it. I thought it was loud, uncomfortable, and hard to drive (change gear) when I tested it. I was afraid I was going to regret it. I drive the car daily, the more time I spend driving it the more I feel inseparable from it. Now I am thinking I would never sell the car. Everything they did to the STI makes sense to me now. It's simply the best car Subaru ever made (except for the limited number or special ones).

I can’t say as I haven’t drove a STI yet. Please do a more detailed video

I like meaneye since it beat the ae86 in initial d also just love older jdm cars.

When I went to the Subie dealership back in 2020. I had a choice between an STi and WRX…. Both white, both brand new. Just what I wanted…. I could afford either so what I was going for. Well the reason I went in the first place is my last 2 Subarus were EJ powered. And one blew up, the other transmission and engine problems…. If I got the STi I would be getting the same engine as my old Legacy GT and bugeye. So I leaned more towards the FA WRX. Buuuuuut here’s what sold me on the WRX. This particular WRX had the performance package which meant it had STi brembos and STi Recaro seats from factory! What a deal! So I went for that instead! Tho once in a while I do get some buyers remorse and should of gotten the STi but I’m too far into my FA that’s it’s just not worth trading in and starting over. Anyways both are great cars!

Had both. Yes. Tranny/diffs and awd tech: STI. Steering: STI. Brakes: STI. I liked the EJ better too....

I bought a 2019 WRX in November of 2018. I don't regret anything, I got my WRX for under retail price and the STI's were over 10K more than my WRX limited. A 10% increase in power for a 33% increase in price did not make sense for me. Also, I got a job as a General Contractor and the WRX is great for driving on dirt/ gravel jobsites.

Yes. STI is a better buy over a WRX (for me at least). Had both and currently have a 2020 STI. One can go for or against each car but again for me STI is the way to go.

I bought a 2006 Legacy GT 4 years ago and it's the car that turned me into a car enthusiast, I always liked cars before but this Legacy GT is what made me fall in love with driving and it's the first car I've actually wanted to meticulously take care of. I want a WRX but I'm afraid that the driving experience isn't going to be that different and I'll spend a bunch of money for the same car essentially as the LGT has the same engine as a WRX. Anyone driven both and can talk about the differences? I'm not sure if I should save my money for an RS3 and just build the Legacy GT over time, maybe STi swap, I can always drop in a new engine and transmission without the huge Subaru tax of buying a whole STi or WRX. Plus the 4th gen Legacy GT I think looks good and is a lot more rare to see than a WRX. Makes for a great sleeper.

Picked up a wrx limited in 2018. Didnt want the ej25 engine. Wanted the new fa20dit engine instead

In the market for my 3rd STi soon. Gonna have a his and hers

I bought a WRX back in February. It was already tuned Cobb Stage 2 power package with tons of other minor mods. It's great, I still love the red badges and bragging rights of the STI, but I also love getting an avg of 28 mpg too.

As a Subaru nerd, let me sum this up. Really easy if you're going to drop 10 grand into building a motor for high horse power buy an STI if not by WRX

Just picked up a 02 WRX sport wagon for 2 grand. Ran like poop. Theu thought the engine was bad. Changed plugs and oil. Ran better but no boost. Ordered a header, turbo and BOV should be fun once completed. Ps I'm also in Wisconsin

You should totally do Ford Focus ST vs. Focus RS

The 2015+ WRX builds boost quicker, and a good tune will have it reliably making the same whp as a stock STI. The real difference is the transmission, suspension, and diffs.

Remember when they used to be one car? Ahhh the good ole days.

Is the orange wrx in the thumbnail in the gallery?

I’ve had a slammed STI as my Lock Screen on my phone for 4 years. It’s my dream car, but I promised myself I’d pay cash for it. The grind to get there is fun :)

I love my WRX. In stock form the wrx is a dog however the Fa20 is heavily detuned from the factory. ImO the STIs built a bit more stout so if you want anything over 450 whp go with the STI but anything under that I'd say the WRX is your pick if you are gonna mod it. If your the type of person who's not gonna touch a thing then you may want to splurge and go with the STI just keep in mind the EJ is a proven Platform however it still has some deficiencies that the Fa20 doesn't have for instance timing belt vs timing chain. .....BTW My wrx has almost 100k miles making 400whp reliably still feels like stock and I have trekked from Florida to NY multiple times

Parts are pretty much the same price because, like you said people put the same parts on both cars. Also, insurance is actually cheaper on an STI than a WRX, at least it was for me between my 2018 WRX and my 2019 STI. Don't get me wrong though, the fuel economy is way better on the WRX and will cover the difference in insurance costs alone. The WRX is a better daily driver that you can have fun with that makes sacrifices of pure driving feel. The STI is a more dedicated enthusiast car that makes compromises in fuel economy and a slightly harsher ride.

As for being a Subaru tech and daily driving an 06 wrx im going to say no. STI is still a ej257 witch is like 20 plus years old design and the wrx is a fa20 witch is a timing chain timing set instead of the ej timing belt setup. Push come to shove they both have design flaws that affect reliability an both are a pain to work on fa you don't need to lift engines for plugs or valve covers like the ej the top mount engine mounts make tilting it easier to work on. Really it just depends on what you wanna deal with. That's all saying your talking about the 15-20 STI and wrx if its an older one the difference is internals on engine, turbo, 6spd or 5spd trans, rear diff the knuckles wrx is press bearing STI is bolt in. An last one is brake calipers and rotors

Coming from someone who owns and daily drives a WRX for 6 years I wish I had gotten the STI. I can’t even find a clean STI hatchback anymore

I’m pretty sure subaru said the next STI will be and electric car sometime in the future….I could be wrong tho

wow those are pretty sweet

Gotta do GTI and Golf R now

That's a really good point. If you are going to change a bunch of stuff on the STI will you just end up losing that extra value that makes it an STI. You'll pay a big premium and then lose that premium by putting mods on it.

I would say STI are good if you are going to track the car but if you just want to Daily drive it, not worth it. WRX is much better car for daily drive, Do Cobb Stage 1 and you will be faster then a Stock STI.